CMA students, Vallejo youth create Valentines for vets

Mick Walker was deep underwater in a submarine serving in the Vietnam War when he got a 25-word Valentine's Day message from his sweetheart via radio transmission -- a message he still remembers fondly some four decades later.

Now assistant commandant for California Maritime Academy, Walker pitched in Friday to make Valentine's Day cards for other veterans.

While clearly not love letters in the traditional sense, he said, the cards will help convey affection and gratitude to veterans for serving their country.

Walker and more than a dozen Cal Maritime students joined with children and teens in the Continentals of Omega Boys and Girls Club after school program to make Valentine's Day cards for local veterans.

In the first such effort, the college students and youth spent several hours in the North Vallejo club cutting out hearts, pasting on flower and flag stickers and writing messages.

"It's good we can help and we can show that we support the veterans and think of them," said 12-year-old Aeija Muhamad.

The youngsters, aged 7 to 17, spend several hours at the club after school getting help with homework, taking classes and also engaging in boxing or tae kwon do, said program coordinator Jamie Venadle.

Navy veteran Matthew Crisp, now a Cal Maritime mechanical engineering major from Hercules, joined the fun, working elbow-to-elbow with the boys and girls. He said he and his comrades were too busy working to think about Valentine's cards when he was in the service.

The card-making program is part of Cal Maritime's efforts to work with local youth on community projects, said JoEllen Myslik, community engagement coordinator.

Once finished the red, pink and white cards, which will also include a few pieces of chocolate and candy in the envelope, will be given to veterans using services at the Mare Island Outpatient Clinic, Myslik said.

In future card-making events, Myslik said she would like students to deliver the cards to the Veterans Home of California in Yountville or other veterans centers.

"We're really excited about it," Myslik said. "At Cal Maritime there's also that connection to the military, and our president has a military background, too."